Lewis County company to transform from a small, custom supplier of products to North America’s largest vinyl record compound manufacturer
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Wedlake Industries officials announced today the company will expand its manufacturing operations in Hohenwald, Tennessee.
Through the project, Wedlake Industries will invest $10 million and create 46 new jobs in Lewis County.
The company’s recent acquisition by GZ North America positions Wedlake Industries in closer proximity to two subsidiaries of GZ North America, Nashville Record Pressing and Memphis Record Pressing, which will directly source vinyl record compound from the Hohenwald facility.
Upon completion, the expansion will transform Wedlake Industries into North America’s largest vinyl record compound manufacturer while continuing to support long-term customers in other industries.
Since 2020, TNECD has supported 52 economic development projects in Southern Middle Tennessee, resulting in more than 7,000 job commitments and nearly $6 billion in capital investments.
QUOTES
“Tennessee’s skilled workforce and strong business climate make it the ideal place for businesses to grow. These 46 new jobs will greatly benefit the families across Lewis County, and I thank Wedlake Industries for recognizing Tennessee as the best state for this expansion.” – Gov. Bill Lee
“With the recent expansions of Nashville Record Pressing and Memphis Record Pressing, Wedlake Industries is primely located between the two facilities to directly support record production. We are proud that this expansion will expand GZ Media’s presence in Tennessee and look forward to seeing the growth that follows today’s announcement.” – TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter
“We are excited about our investment in Wedlake Industries. The company’s great people, facilities, and strategic location will allow us to support the music industry in Tennessee and beyond with the industry’s most advanced and customer-focused vinyl pressing operation. In addition, Wedlake Industries’ customers in other industries will benefit from our expanded and modernized facilities.” – Shawn Johnson, president, GZ North America
“TVA and Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative congratulate Wedlake Industries on its decision to establish operations in Lewis County. Helping to attract and retain companies creating job opportunities and investment in the region is fundamental to TVA’s mission of service. We are proud to partner with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, city of Hohenwald and Lewis County to help further that mission and celebrate this announcement together.” – John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of economic development
“I am happy to announce that Wedlake Industries is undergoing a project that will invest $10 million and create 46 new jobs. We appreciate the support of TNECD and everyone involved for making this possible.” – Sen. Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald)
“Wedlake Industries has been a valued member of the Hohenwald business community for years, and I’m excited they have chosen to continue investing here. This significant project will create dozens of high-quality jobs for local residents and help strengthen Lewis County’s economy. I congratulate the employees on their success, and I look forward to the company’s continued growth.” – Rep. Jody Barrett (R-Dickson)
About Wedlake Industries
Wedlake Industries is a custom PVC compounder based in Hohenwald, Tennessee, since 2002. Wedlake Industries supports customers in varied industries such as record pressing, vinyl flooring, roofing, pipe making and more with full mixing, extrusion and laboratory facilities.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies that help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment to the state and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Like us on Facebook. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Wedlake Industries Media Contact
Randy Parker
Director, Strategy & Business Development
931-796-4999
TNECD Media Contact
Chris O’Brien
Public Information Officer
(615) 934-5879
[email protected]
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